Stop apologizing to Gen Z while penalizing Orwoba, Kiambu Senator to Ruto
Karungo argued that the President cannot credibly ask for forgiveness from young people while silencing critical voices within his own political ranks.
Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa has slammed President William Ruto’s apology to Generation Z, calling it insincere given the continued mistreatment of individuals such as Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba.
In a statement posted on his official X account on Thursday, May 29, 2025, Karungo argued that the President cannot credibly ask for forgiveness from young people while silencing critical voices within his own political ranks.
"You're asking for forgiveness from deceased Gen Zs, yet you're unwilling to forgive others not even a young woman from Kisii named Gloria Orwoba," Karungo wrote in his post.
During the National Prayer Breakfast on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, President William Ruto issued an apology to Generation Z over the government's heavy-handed response to protests against the 2024 Finance Bill.
The demonstrations, which were fueled by growing discontent among the youth over steep taxes and the soaring cost of living, were met with a forceful police response that resulted in multiple deaths, injuries, and reports of missing persons.
Karungo, a staunch supporter of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, emphasized that the President’s apology should be backed by concrete actions.
"The sincerest form of an apology is doing what’s right respecting the law, compensating victims, halting punitive taxation, ending the misuse of state agencies, and above all, listening to the people," he said, calling on leaders to be in tune with public concerns.
Karungo’s comments come just a week after Senate Speaker Amason Kingi declared Gloria Orwoba’s seat vacant, following her expulsion from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
The decision was formalized through a Gazette Notice dated May 21, 2025, in line with Article 101(2) of the Constitution.
Orwoba was ousted over claims of disloyalty, with the party accusing her of siding with former Interior Cabinet Secretary and 2027 presidential aspirant, Fred Matiang’i.
Her removal has sparked backlash from human rights groups, who see it as a politically charged attempt to suppress dissenting voices.
At the prayer gathering, President Ruto emphasized the need for intergenerational unity, stating, “We want to build relationships that will make our country great.”
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki echoed the sentiment, urging the youth to voice their concerns respectfully while maintaining regard for their elders.
However, Karungo maintained that genuine unity must be rooted in justice, stating, "Forgiveness begins with doing what is right—not with punishing those who dare to speak truth to power."
